Break-in cases result in charges

Saturday

Dec 15, 2012 at 1:20 PMDec 15, 2012 at 1:23 PM

Cynthia Grau

The investigation of numerous early-morning vehicle burglaries on Dec. 13 has resulted in felony charges filed against Aaron Harmon, 21, of Pontiac. According to Pontiac Police Chief Jim Woolford, residents of Vermillion Estates and Westview Subdivision began reporting vehicle burglaries shortly before 7 a.m. A total of 23 vehicles were allegedly entered. The police chief said that two residents provided a description of the suspect. Investigating officers later identified the suspect as Harmon, who resides in Westview Subdivision. A search warrant was executed at Harmon’s residence, where officers located numerous items that had been reported stolen during the burglaries, ranging from car stereos to prescription pills.Harmon was seen in court by Associate Judge Robert Travers Friday afternoon for a bond hearing. At that time, all the charges were read, which included five counts of burglary, all Class 2 felonies, which, if found guilty, can carry a sentence of three to seven years in prison and fines up to $25,000, including restitution.Travers asked Harmon if he had any comments toward the suggested bond of $50,000, made by First Assistant State’s Attorney Randy Yedinak, to which Harmon said he has a good job at Caterpillar in Pontiac and doesn’t want to lose his job because he doesn’t have any vacation time left.“I’m also sorry these charges have been brought against me,” Harmon said to the judge.Travers then lowered his bond to 10 percent of $30,000, or $3,000.He will be seen again in court Wednesday at 11:15 a.m.The following vehicles, which were unlocked and parked outside, were burglarized: A blue 2005 Dodge pickup at 1201 Kennedy Dr.; red 1994 Buick at 1306 Trainor Dr.; silver 2010 Chevrolet at 1306 Trainor Dr.; white 1994 Chevrolet at 1306 Trainor Dr.; red 2003 Ford Focus at #18 Vermillion Estates; blue 2005 Chrysler van at #16 Vermillion Estates; green 2008 Ford Escape at 1205 Kennedy Dr.; silver 2002 Mazda at 1213 Kennedy Dr.; black 2003 Chevrolet at 1213 Kennedy Dr.; red 2000 Chevrolet pickup at 1304 Trainor Dr.; green 2011 GMC at 1207 Kennedy Dr.; yellow 2007 Pontiac at 1402 Trainor Dr.; blue 2006 Jeep at 1305 4-H Park Road; red 1994 Cadillac at 1501 Kennedy Dr.; gold 2003 Ford Focus at 1302 Trainor Dr.; gold 1999 Dodge at 1302 Trainor Dr.; white 1996 Honda at 1100 Motorola Dr.; white 1993 Chevrolet at 1100 Motorola Dr.; silver 2006 Chevrolet at 1113 Motorola Dr.; black 1995 Ford at 1202 Kennedy Dr.; red 2006 Chevrolet at 1202 Kennedy Dr.; gold 2003 Oldsmobile at 1202 Kennedy Dr.; and a gold 1982 Mercury at 1304 Trainor Dr.Woolford said that if anyone is missing any property, they should contact Pontiac Police Detective Mike Henson at 815-844-5148. He also wants to remind the public to lock all vehicles and doors and windows to their homes.